LUXURY YOGA & MINDFULNESS RETREAT ITALY

Ancient, pristine and magical — the best of southern Italy awaits you. Nestled between the Ionian and Adriatic seas, Puglia is a land bathed in a clear golden light. Sitting atop the rolling hills of the Valle D’Itria, near Martina Franca, this exquisite 18th century masseria (farmhouse) is the perfect setting for retreat. Explore 14 acres of woodland, country lanes winding between ancient stone walls, olive groves and lush vineyards. Enjoy a sanctuary solely dedicated to providing you with the ideal retreat in simple and uncompromising elegance.

THE PLACE

The manor house is a traditional pristine white masseria made of stone. A large swimming pool is surrounded by white daybeds adorned with curtains, and sun loungers to relax, sleep or read. The property is situated at the highest point in the area, affording delightful cool breezes. You will be enchanted by the Trulli houses, white and majestic. Enjoy walks along the meditation paths among vineyards, olives and woods.

Discover many little nooks and crannies scattered in and around the farmhouse. You will find a library, garden benches, a glass sitting room and massage room. The yoga and meditation room is exquisite. This jewel of a place also has it's own chapel with recently recovered old frescos.

SLEEP AND EAT

Ten spacious and simply designed en suite bedrooms are scattered around the farmhouse. Rooms accommodate one, two or three people. Most rooms have the high ceilings characteristic of Trulli houses. Decors feature white palettes with splashes of lavender and orange. These are ideal accommodations to rest in tranquility, style and understated elegance.

The diet perfectly compliments the practices of yoga and meditation. The Italian kitchen really sets the stage for a refined and healthy diet. Vegetarian meals are based on a ph alkaline diet philosophy. This will bring new balance to your body. The organic meals are based mainly on low gluten, and are dairy and wheat free. Delight in these healthy meals at the large communal table. The kitchen is flexible and will also accommodate your special needs.

MEDITATION & YOGA

Mindfulness Meditation with Brian Hilliard

You will:

Acquire the tools needed to de-stress
Gain greater peace and relaxation
Learn how to mix meditation with daily life
Learn to let go of what is unimportant
Cultivate greater kindness

Your day closes with a meditation session guided by teacher Brian Hilliard. The practice space is a beautifully designed shala and fully equipped. There you will learn the techniques and practice of sitting and walking meditation. Talks, discussions and some silence for inner reflection make the experience complete.

Relax and experience the art of letting go. Suitable for beginners and advanced practitioners. See The Mindfulness Journal for more on meditation.

Yoga with Shannon

You will:

Practice Yin and Hatha Yoga styles
Strengthen and align body and mind
Gain confidence in your natural balance and harmony
Access and work with deep emotion through working with the body

Optional Running with Meditation

For runners and walkers (optional). Running with meditation is an introduction to meditation in movement. Reach the zone easily with practical instructions for combining mindfulness and movement. See our post: Running with Meditation and a great article by one of our participants.

NAP OR EXPLORE

Relax at the turquoise swimming pool, surrounded by loungers and shaded daybeds. Find a nook, crannie or hammock to nap, read or contemplate. Take a long and aimless meditation walk through the woods. This ancient land has a special energy. Refuge and meditate in the tiny chapel adorned with ancient frescos. Wander along country lanes lined with stone walls.

The massage room also awaits you for some well deserved pampering. You’ll want to take a snooze in your beautiful room under the high dome of the Trulli.

There will be a day out in the middle of the retreat. Excursion to a beach, the white city of Ostuni, the seaside city of Polignano a Mare, or the world famous UNESCO site Alberabello. The retreat team will advise and organise all details for you.

Mindfulness & Yoga Daily Schedule

The daily schedule will be posted soon. It consists of daily yoga and meditation sessions, as well as plenty of free time.

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

What makes this retreat unique is how holistic it is — you cover every possible need one could have. This is massively supported by your choice of team and venue. It’s been very special.
Grace T., Tech Exec, UK

I have learnt so much from the meditation classes and the yoga. The evening talks on the philosophy of yoga were also really interesting. The experience has also been so much fun whilst also being relaxing.
Holly L., Accountant, UK

Brian is a great teacher and you both created such a welcoming and comforting environment to practice. The combination of yoga and meditation and how they interlinked made the retreat special.
Lucy W., Finance Exec, UK

EXPLORE OUR OTHER RETREATS

"Brian Hilliard and Shannon van Staden are leaders in their field when it comes to mindfulness and meditation. Brian is an expert guide - soft spirited, practical, full of empathy, tips and appreciation for the challenges of modern life. Shannon stylishly holds the space and ensures everything runs smoothly. Together they are a dream team on the wellness scene."
– DAISY FINER, Spa and Health Writer